Beef remark: VHP seeks Parrikar’s resignation

ST Correspondent

Thursday, 20 July 2017

“Around 2,000 kg beef is produced per day at the state abattoir of the Goa Meat Complex Limited, while rest of beef is brought in from Karnataka. The estimated sale of beef, based on the meat inspection charges paid by beef dealers and traders is 2,300 to 2,400 kg per day,” said Parrikar, who also holds the animal husbandry portfolio.

PANAJI: Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has demanded the resignation of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar over his assurance in Goa Assembly that there will be no shortage of beef in the State.

Parrikar made the statement in Goa Assembly on Wednesday in a reply to a question by a BJP member. The VHP said that Parrikar’s stance on beef consumption and procurement of additional beef from neighbouring state is contrary to the BJP’s stance on beef consumption.

CM Manohar Parrikar said the state-run abattoir produces around 2,000 kg of beef per day, while the additional demand for the same is met by supplies from neighbouring Karnataka. Addressing the State Assembly on the first day of the monsoon session, Parrikar, in reply to a BJP member’s concern over the quality of beef supplied from the neighbouring state, said the beef purchased from Karnataka would be subjected to proper inspection. “Around 2,000 kg beef is produced per day at the state abattoir of the Goa Meat Complex Limited, while rest of beef is brought in from Karnataka. The estimated sale of beef, based on the meat inspection charges paid by beef dealers and traders is 2,300 to 2,400 kg per day,” said Parrikar, who also holds the animal husbandry portfolio.

He was responding to the question raised by BJP MLA Nilesh Cabral. “The balance of the required quantity of beef is procured from the neighbouring states, particularly Karnataka, by meat traders,” he said.

In a supplementary question, Cabral expressed concern over the quality of beef brought in from Karnataka and suggested that production of meat at the Goa abattoir could be ramped up.

To this, Parrikar replied he would issue directions to the department concerned to carry proper inspection of beef imported from Karnataka.

“The Goa Meat Complex Ltd has no problem in slaughtering more animals if they are brought there by traders,” he added. (With inputs from PTI)